YMCA Camp Kitchikewana

Honey Harbour, ON

Visit Camp Website ↗Report incorrect information

About YMCA Camp Kitchikewana

Food service — three meals a day, made from scratch, dietary needs accommodated

Campers receive three delicious meals a day with a mid-afternoon and evening snack before bed. All of our meals are healthy, nutritious and camper friendly. We strive to make food from scratch and to use as few pre-packaged food items as possible. Campers' meals are done "family style" with campers eating with their cabins for the whole meal and helping set and clear the table and serve the food as a team. Our kitchen staff are able to accommodate dietary needs and food allergies. Please be sure to indicate any restrictions on your camp application form.

Explore on the camp’s website ↗

At a glance

Address: Beausoleil Island, Georgian Bay Islands National Park, Honey Harbour, ON
Camp type: Overnight camp
Setting: Beausoleil Island, Georgian Bay Islands National Park, Ontario; rustic site in a protected bay with three private beaches and back-country hiking trails
Ages: 6–16
Accreditations stated by camp: Ontario Camps Association

Activities

Waterfront

Swimming
Canoeing
Kayaking
Sailing

Land Sports

Archery

Outdoor Adventure

Mountain biking

More activities

arts and crafts
campfire
canoe and hiking trips
drama
escape room
first aid
geocaching
guitar
island explorers
low ropes
orienteering
sports
stand up paddle boarding
survival skills
yoga

Clues to fit

Life at camp — friendship, discovery, and daily adventure

Life at Camp Kitchikewana is all about friendship, discovery, and adventure in a welcoming community. Each day is filled with a balance of structured activities and free time, giving campers a chance to explore new interests, connect with others, and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. Our caring staff create a supportive environment where every camper can build confidence, try new things, and make lasting memories. Whether it's the thrill of learning a new skill, the laughter of cabin groups, or the peace of a sunset paddle, life at camp is an unforgettable experience that inspires growth and friendship.

Explore on the camp’s websiteLife at camp — friendship, discovery, and daily adventure

Positive Space — inclusive community for all campers

Throughout camp we have signs reading "Positive Space". These signs serve as a reminder to all camp participants that all members of the camp community are welcome on Kitchikewana sands regardless of: race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, social status, physical, emotional or mental ability, and age.

Explore on the camp’s websitePositive Space — inclusive community for all campers

Camp Kitchikewana — 105-year history and setting

For the last 105 years YMCA Camp Kitchikewana has been offering a values based camp experience on its camp site on Beausoleil Island in the beautiful Georgian Bay Islands National Park, out of Honey Harbour, Ontario. Camp Kitchikewana provides traditional summer camp programs for youth in July and August and programs for all ages in the Spring and Fall seasons.

Explore on the camp’s websiteCamp Kitchikewana — 105-year history and setting

Setting — Beausoleil Island, Georgian Bay Islands National Park, three beaches

Camp Kitchikewana prides itself in being a rustic site nuzzled within the beautiful environment of the Georgian Bay Islands National Park. The camp is situated in a protected bay with three private beaches perfect for waterfront programs. Campers will have access to the many kilometers of back-country hiking trails that the National Park has to offer.

Explore on the camp’s websiteSetting — Beausoleil Island, Georgian Bay Islands National Park, three beaches

Traditions & shared moments

A day at camp — full daily schedule

7:30am: Morning dip. 8:15am: Flag raising and breakfast. 9:00am: Cabin clean up. 9:45am: Cabin Choice. 10:45am: Section Season. 12:15pm: Lunch. 1:15pm: Rest Hour. 2:15pm: First skill. 3:25pm: Second skill. 4:30pm: Awesome time (free time for boating, swimming, sailing, and land games). 5:45pm: Dinner. 7:15pm: Evening section program. 8:30pm: All camp snack, campfire. Lights out at 10:15pm.

Explore on the camp’s websiteA day at camp — full daily schedule

Independence, growth & leadership

Leadership 1 program — skill development, canoe trip, school credit (age 15)

At age 15, campers are able to start their leadership journey with our first month-long leadership program. The Leadership One program provides opportunities for participants to build self-esteem and experience personal growth. This four-week experience focuses on skill development, personal leadership and communication. Participants will learn the fundamentals of trip leadership planning through participation in a five-day canoe trip. Leadership One participants will also have the opportunity to obtain a secondary school credit from certified teachers onsite (Outdoor Education, PAD30) in partnership with the Simcoe/Muskoka Catholic District School Board.

Explore on the camp’s websiteLeadership 1 program — skill development, canoe trip, school credit (age 15)

2027 sessions & tuition

Leadership 1 — Age 15, four weeks, August

2027-08-01 – 2027-08-27

4 weeks

Overnight camp

2027 camper fees have yet to be determined. Application required by November 18, 2026.

Dates, rates & eligibility ↗

Leadership 1 — Age 15, four weeks, July

2027-07-04 – 2027-07-30

4 weeks

Overnight camp

2027 camper fees have yet to be determined. Application required by November 18, 2026. Includes five-day canoe trip, advanced skill development (Sailing CANSail 3/4, Canoeing ORCKA Lakewater 1, or Lifesaving Bronze Medallion/Cross), optional secondary school credit (Outdoor Education, PAD30) in partnership with Simcoe/Muskoka Catholic DSB.

Dates, rates & eligibility ↗

Leadership 2 — Age 16, four weeks, August

2027-08-01 – 2027-08-27

4 weeks

Overnight camp

2027 camper fees have yet to be determined. Application required by November 18, 2026.

Dates, rates & eligibility ↗

Leadership 2 — Age 16, four weeks, July

2027-07-04 – 2027-07-30

4 weeks

Overnight camp

2027 camper fees have yet to be determined. Application required by November 18, 2026. Includes four-day canoe trip (ORCKA Tripping Level 1), optional secondary school credit (Leadership and Peer Support, GPP30) with Simcoe/Muskoka Catholic DSB.

Dates, rates & eligibility ↗

Traditional Camp — Ages 7–15, two weeks

2027-07-04 – 2027-07-16

2 weeks

Overnight camp

2027 camper fees have yet to be determined. Campers divided by age and gender identity; two skill areas chosen from sailing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, arts and crafts, drama, island explorers, mountain biking, or guitar.

Dates, rates & eligibility ↗

Traditional Camp — Ages 7–15, two weeks

2027-07-18 – 2027-07-30

2 weeks

Overnight camp

2027 camper fees have yet to be determined.

Dates, rates & eligibility ↗

Traditional Camp — Ages 7–15, two weeks

2027-08-01 – 2027-08-13

2 weeks

Overnight camp

2027 camper fees have yet to be determined.

Dates, rates & eligibility ↗

Traditional Camp — Ages 7–15, two weeks; includes Annual Musical and Sailing Regatta

2027-08-15 – 2027-08-27

2 weeks

Overnight camp

2027 camper fees have yet to be determined. 4th session includes Annual Musical and Sailing Regattas.

Dates, rates & eligibility ↗

Waterbug Club — Ages 6–9, one week

2027-07-04 – 2027-07-09

1 weeks

Overnight camp

2027 camper fees have yet to be determined. Perfect introduction to camp life for first-time campers.

Dates, rates & eligibility ↗

Waterbug Club — Ages 6–9, one week

2027-07-11 – 2027-07-16

1 weeks

Overnight camp

2027 camper fees have yet to be determined.

Dates, rates & eligibility ↗

Waterbug Club — Ages 6–9, one week

2027-08-01 – 2027-08-06

1 weeks

Overnight camp

2027 camper fees have yet to be determined.

Dates, rates & eligibility ↗

Waterbug Club — Ages 6–9, one week

2027-08-08 – 2027-08-13

1 weeks

Overnight camp

2027 camper fees have yet to be determined.

Dates, rates & eligibility ↗

Programs & camp life

Mission — active, safe, natural environment

YMCA Camp Kitchikewana's mission is to provide each member of the camp community with the opportunity to be active, to learn, and to grow in a safe, healthy and natural environment. Through a range of skills, outdoor activities and interactions with others, campers are encouraged to challenge themselves while building self-confidence, having fun, and creating lasting friendships. In the spirit of the camp's strong tradition, we are committed to challenging individuals to be the best that they can ever be.

Explore on the camp’s website ↗

Program breadth — skill areas, games, and all-camp programs

Campers have the opportunity to select two skill areas they would like to focus on (sailing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, arts and crafts, drama, island explorers, mountain biking, or guitar). Special programs such as the Lumberman and Voyageur Games, all camp competitions, our 4th session Annual Musical and Sailing Regattas assist in creating a well-rounded camp experience.

Explore on the camp’s website ↗

For parents & families

Cabins — 8-9 campers, 2 counsellors, electricity, all-gender option

All campers live in cabins, with 8-9 campers and 2 counsellors. Our cabins are basic living spaces, designed to be comfortable and welcoming during rest hours and at nighttime. All our cabins have electricity, porches, and storage space for personal items. At the time of registration, campers will have the choice to sign up for an all gender or single gender cabin. All gender cabins are open to everyone — it is a welcoming space for campers who want to share a space with campers of different genders, who have friends or siblings who are different genders, and for campers who identify as non-binary or genderqueer.

Camper care — health, hydration, Wellness Centre

At YMCA Camp Kitchikewana, camper care is our number one priority. Staff are trained to ensure that campers' needs, safety and personal care are of utmost importance. We have a Wellness Centre on site that is staffed by a certified nurse or doctor 24 hours a day. Campers can visit the Wellness Centre if they take medication or are unwell. Camp Kitchikewana follows all overnight camping standards and recommended practices set by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, the Ministry of Health and the Environment, the Ontario Camping Association and YMCA Camping.

Transportation — free supervised bussing for two-week campers

YMCA Camp Kitchikewana provides free supervised bussing to and from key locations for campers attending for 2 weeks or longer. For campers in the GTA, our bus drop-off/pick-up location is in Vaughan at the Colossus Carpool Lot. Camp Kitchikewana is boat access only — the camp is located on Beausoleil Island and families use pre-arranged boat times from Honey Harbour Boat Club, 2709 Honey Harbour Road, Honey Harbour, ON.